MDG Profile:
New MDG framework sets realistic targets
In 2002-2003 Romania created its framework for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by adjusting Goal 1 (on poverty), Goal 2 (on universal primary education), and Goal 8 (on a global partnership for development) and some targets that would address its national context and priorities.
The United Nations system, in particular the Inter-agency Support Unit, which was responsible for coordinating the creation of the framework, fully involved the Government of Romania in the drafting process. Ownership by the government is a solid foundation for positive outcomes for the MDG process.
The overall rationale was to set time limits where applicable, taking 2001-2002 as baseline years, and 2009, or even 2005 and 2007, as target years. This reasoning was based on long-term versus medium-term planning efficiency, as shown by programme implementation experience, with government accountability. The hope of capturing public interest was another factor. The overall strategy was also guided by the national planning context, characterized by the presence of sector strategies in nearly all areas, and was designed to provide a more ambitious and focused perspective on development, in contrast with most of the existing instruments.
As of 2007, the expectations put forward by the MDG framework have already proved more realistic compared to the kind of progress foreseen in other national policy instruments. Certain targets under Goals 1, 5, 6, and 8 (severe poverty reduction, maternal health, HIV/AIDS and other diseases, and the information society and communications) have been met on time or in advance of the date set. But the actual internalization of the Goals has remained weak and primarily on paper.
To assess what went well and what did not, why certain expected developments did not materialize, and what needs to be done in areas lagging behind, particularly after Romania’s accession to the European Union, the United Nations country team decided in 2006 to propose a Progress Report for 2007 to the Government. The formulation of this Report was finalized in September 2007, when the draft was approved by GOR. The launch of Romania's MDG Progress Report is planned for late October 2007.
Last updated 1 November 2007
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